Am I the only relative to have visited the Cross at Erebus?

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22/07/2009 10:09 pm

FINLAY

Joined: 22/07/2009

Posts: 1

Am I the only relative to have visited the Cross at Erebus? Modified By on 8/10/2009 10:42:46 am

 I was in antarctica in 1988/1989 summer season as a petty officer with the RNZN but attached to DSIR. 
Although I was not cleared by the base manager I managed to get on a flight with some scientists and 
spent time by the cross at erebus on November the 28th, oh aswell as helping the scientists and being 
attacked my skua's, anyway on nov 28th I was there and believe me it was a very deep and meaningfull 
occasion in that I said a small prayer for all my relations as I looked down at the still scared side of
Erbebus.Yes it still looked like someone had swiped a buring cigar on a white table cloth. Its like the 
mountain was scarred for eternity.  Where the cross is placed is a SPA special protected area and stict 
control of movement is limited to scientist and scott base staff, mainly because of the penguing colony 
and skua nesting grounds at the base of the crash site.   I have a beautifull photo of the cross take 
that day if anyone would like I can send a digital copy by email.   My Brother was Michael James Finlay 
he loved flying and working for ANZ so he died happily doing what he did best.   Cheers Mike

24/07/2009 9:49 pm

sharon

Joined: 27/06/2009

Posts: 1

Re: Am I the only relative to have visited the Cross at Erebus?

I am so envious of your experience, as you know it is something that I have wanted to do but unfortunately

I have not yet been able to fufill that dream yet, but thanks to you saying your prayer on behalf of us, makes it

a little easier. Thanks for sharing, and yes MIKE FINLAY is my dad! & his brother was right in saying he died

doing what he loved , working on the planes with Air NZ, Miss & Love you lots Dad x x

24/09/2009 8:10 am

kwardle

Joined: 24/09/2009

Posts: 1

Re: Am I the only relative to have visited the Cross at Erebus?

Hi Mike,

I'd love to get there to see where my Father's body lies. He was Donald Stewart. Thanks for desribing it. We have a photo at home of the cross which was taken just after it was erected, I'd appreciate a copy of your photo - how do I get in touch?

I just saw on the news that Air New Zealand is going to take three family members down for the anniversary, if anyone knows how they are going to choose who, could they please let me know?

Kirstie

25/09/2009 9:39 am

bettibop

Joined: 27/06/2009

Posts: 12

Re: Am I the only relative to have visited the Cross at Erebus?

1st and foremost at this stage they are not taking family down - they are surveying the families to see if they think it is a good idea

currently they do not have a criteria as to who will be eligable to go into the ballot / lucky dip for the trip if it does go ahead

they put the price of 257 people deaths down to a ballot the reason they are only taking 3 is because that is all the places they have available and to many down there complicates air traffic travelling back and forth to the erebus memorial

if you are lucky to be selected to go if they do allow this to happen you will be required to pass a full medical as required by those who attend antartica you need to have this completed by 7 November

i personally believe leave well alone - this is a total public relations diaster all over again for Air New Zealand nealry 30 years on they have no idea what can of worms pain and hurt they have opened for many families

6/10/2009 10:23 pm

Nasty-One

Joined: 6/10/2009

Posts: 4

Re: Am I the only relative to have visited the Cross at Erebus?

Yes they fail to think past themselves and place the families at the focal point and look at options like say a Cruise Liner or maybe a live transmission relayed to a place back in NZ where non Air NZ people did the actuall ceremony at Erebus.

For me they haven't earned any right to organise anything in the name of those my family lost!